Residents gathering at Weymouth estate over bus link protest (From Thisisdorset)

Residents gathering at Weymouth estate over bus link protest

12:00pm Tuesday 12th February 2013 in Latest

RESIDENTS will be gathering at a Weymouth estate today to protest against the withdrawal of their local bus link.

A protest is being organised at Southill following a decision by the First bus company to cut service 5/5A to Southill and Lanehouse.

First says the route has performed poorly over the years and it has no choice but to withdraw it.

Most of the local bus network is being affected by timetable and route changes from March 24.

County councillor David Harris says many residents are concerned that Southill is being cut off so he has organised a demonstration in order to show the strength of feeling and find solutions. He is being supported by his Lib Dem colleagues.

Coun Harris said: “There has been a great deal of interest in the community and I hope a number of people will be coming along, in fact the more the merrier.

“We will be welcoming a group representing users of the day centre at Southill. The centre is keen to encourage people who go there to be independent and use the bus. If the service is taken away it will be impossible.”

Supporters are asked to gather at the bus stop outside the John Gregory pub in Southill, at 1pm today. If it is raining, people will meet in the nearby Emmanuel Church before walking down to the bus stop.

• A petition has also been launched against the re-routing of service 4 away from Oakbury Drive, Preston. To support the petition call 01305 835106 or email davidannbaydon@btinternet.com